Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez speaks at a meeting of the parliament in Madrid on November 16, 2023. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
Over the past five years, the multidimensional poverty rate in Vietnam has fallen from 5.2% to 1.3%, while GDP per capita has increased 1.4-fold, placing it among upper-middle-income economies.
Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko noted that 2025 poses numerous challenges as global geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, exerting a considerable impact on cooperation between the two countries. However, bilateral ties have continued to deepen, underpinned by sustained and effective dialogue at all levels, including the highest one.
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.
On behalf of Party General Secretary To Lam and other Party and State leaders, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed sincere gratitude to ambassadors, heads of international organisations, foreign governments, and peoples who have stood with Vietnam through challenges and triumphs throughout its process of national construction and defence.
Ho Chi Minh City successfully hosted numerous major international events in 2025, expanding its global partnerships and reinforcing its image as a dynamic, open and friendly metropolis. These achievements reflected the trust and cooperation of international partners.
The forum provided an opportunity for young participants from both countries to meet, strengthen friendship, and exchange ideas, united by a shared goal of sustainable development and environmental protection.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on February 9 hold an online meeting with his Uzbekistani counterpart Jamshid Khodjaev to review the implementation of high-level commitments and agreements reached in recent years and to discuss orientations and measures to further promote bilateral cooperation across all fields.
Tay Ninh’s robust and sustainable development, Party General Secretary To Lam said, would contribute to strengthening national defence and security, expanding southern economic development space, and enhancing regional integration.
The PM called on Japanese partners to further expand cooperation with Vietnam, helping deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the development and well-being of both nations.
Party General Secretary To Lam and his entourage laid wreaths and offered incense at Tra Vo Martyrs’ Cemetery in the southern province of Tay Ninh on February 9, honouring heroic martyrs who laid down their lives for national independence and freedom, ahead of the coming Lunar New Year (Tet).
Achieving PCRS Level 3 reflects Vietnam’s strong commitment and high credibility as a troop- and police-contributing country to UN peacekeeping. It is regarded as an important stepping stone toward actual deployment, while affirming the professionalism, discipline and international integration capacity of the People’s Public Security Force.
Vietnam and the RoK will continue to maintain high-level meetings, exchanges and interactions among parliamentary committees, legislators, young and female parliamentarians, to make bilateral relations more practical and close-knit.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
After listening to the ideas, General Secretary Lam expressed his appreciation for the heartfelt, responsible opinions, describing them as valuable experience, encouragement, and a reflection of deep trust and commitment to the Party, the nation, and the people. He affirmed that these inputs would be seriously studied and incorporated into the leadership and implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.
Tu inquired after the health and life of the former Party and State leaders, and applauded their invaluable contributions to the Party’s revolutionary cause and the nation’s national construction and development.
The top legislator and the NA delegation pledged to further strengthen unity, boldly renew the mindset and working methods to better meet practical requirements, and focus efforts on effectively implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.
The Party leader stressed that 2026 holds special significance for Ho Chi Minh City as it marks 50 years since the city was named after President Ho Chi Minh (1976–2026), and 115 years since the late leader departed from Nha Rong Wharf to seek a path for national salvation (1911–2026).
Highlighting the role and achievements of patriotic emulation movements throughout the nation’s history of national construction and defence, particularly during the last five years, PM Chinh said the 14th National Party Congress was a resounding success, marking an important transitional milestone in the Party’s revolutionary cause.
General Secretary To Lam warmly inquired about the health and living conditions of researcher Tu and his family, expressing deep appreciation for the scholar’s valuable contributions to research, documentation and the education of younger generations, which have enriched the spiritual and cultural life of the community.
Commenting on the visit by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, Chheang said the visit underscored the importance Vietnam attaches to relations with Cambodia. As neighbouring countries, Vietnam has consistently prioritised ties with Cambodia and Laos, which share historic bonds and a tradition of solidarity and good neighbourliness.
